As part of its goal to mainstream Gender and Development (GAD) policies, the Department of Budget and Management Region III (DBM R3) visited Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U) for a benchmarking activity and the signing of the Statement of Shared Vision and Intent (SSVI) held at the University Board Room on October 13, 2025.

The visit aimed to strengthen DBM R3’s understanding of the University’s best practices in Sex-Disaggregated Data collection and analysis, as well as the governance and utilization of the GAD budget.

Pampanga State U Vice President for Student Affairs and Services and Director of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS), Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, together with the GFPS Core Technical Working Group, warmly welcomed the DBM R3 representatives.

In her message, Dr. Quiambao emphasized the importance of integrating GAD plans and policies into the implementation of the university’s programs, activities, and projects.

“Importante na mayroon tayong policies. Hindi p’wedeng sinasabi lang. We need to measure, we need to have a template, we need to have an anchor. Lahat ng ating mga aspirations, advocacies dapat nakasulat,” Dr. Quiambao stated.

Meanwhile, DBM R3 representatives, led by Assistant Regional Director Gracela A. Ortiz, expressed their appreciation for the university’s notable accomplishments in implementing its GAD programs.

“We are very grateful dahil pinahintulutan po kami na magpunta dito at mag-benchmark. Alam namin na ang inyong University ay isa sa mga experts na sa mga ganito at naka- mainstream na ang inyong mga programa, mga activities, and Gender and Development. That’s why pinili po namin kayo na i-benchmark,” Ortiz said.

The program concluded with the signing of the SSVI with Pampanga State U President Dr. Enrique G. Baking, together with Executive Vice President Engr. Reden M. Hernandez, followed by a photo opportunity with the guests.

Also present during the signing were the staff and members of the GFPS Office and Technical Working Group, along with their DBM R3 counterparts.

The activity further strengthened the partnership between Pampanga State U and DBM R3 toward advancing gender-responsive governance and policy implementation.

Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit

{makeGallery}

path=</images/2025/News/October/DBM R3 benchmarks Pampanga State Us GAD initiatives signs SSVI statement/10132025-BBMxPAMSU->

count=24

{/makeGallery}